Chapter 11 - Home Truths

The four adult lions and the six cubs walked back to Pride Rock in silence. Nia's mother carried her home, as she thought that her daughter had done enough walking on a broken leg for one day. Jabari walked closely beside his mother, looking up at her every so often to see if she still looked mad at him or not. Tiifu, Zuri and Kovu walked inbetween Nala and Simba at the back. Kiara was walking in shame behind Simba. The king turned around and looked at his daughter behind him. He remembered at the elephant graveyard how she blamed herself for what had happened. He turned back facing Nala and the other mothers before clearing his throat. The adult lionesses turned back when they heard their king grab their attention.

"You guys go head back home. I want to talk with Kiara." Nala smiled and signalled for the others to leave. Simba sat down in the grass, Kiara still behind him. She looked up at her father, and waited for him to call her. "Kiara." Simba said with a gentle voice. She slowly walked up beside her father and sat down beside him. She didn't dare to look him in the eye, even if he didn't sound mad at her. Simba sighed. He remembered a time like this when he was a cub. He didn't want to upset Kiara like his father upset him when he got his harsh reality check.

"Kiara, what happened today?" he asked using his gentle voice once more. She broke down into tears again. Simba wrapped his paw around her and pulled her close beside him. Kiara finally looked up into his eyes and began to tell him what happened.

"I'm sorry Dad." she began, "It's my fault Nia broke her leg. I heard you and Mom talk about the elephant graveyard last night and how cool you both thought it was when you were younger, so I wanted to go visit it with the others." Simba looked at his daughter. "But did you hear us go on about the dangers we were in?" Kiara shook her head. "You almost got you and your friends killed today, Kiara. As did I many years ago." The king said. "Do you realise what could have happened if I didn't get there quick enough?" Kiara looked down at the ground in shame. "You really scared me today." He said. Kiara looked back up at him. "I don't want to lose you, Kiara." He added. "I'm really sorry Dad. I promise I'll never do anything like that ever again." Kiara responded. Simba smiled.

The lionesses and the other cubs arrived back at Pride Rock. Chuma was there waiting for Kovu. "Oh there you are Kovu! I've been so worried!" he said. Kovu ran to his father while the other cubs and their mothers went into the cave. Nala looked down at her two daughters.

"Your father and I will speak with you both later." Tiifu and Zuri's ears dropped when Nala said this. Nala walked into the cave and was greeted by Sarabi.

"Hello Sarabi." Nala said. "Is everyone alright?" Sarabi asked fearfully. "The cubs decided to go on adventure to the elephant graveyard." Nala responded. Sarabi gasped in shock. "Nia broke her leg, but Rafiki is on his way to examine it." Nala added. Sarabi nodded.

About an hour had passed. Simba and Kiara had made it back to Pride Rock. Tiifu and Zuri were there waiting anxiously for their sister to get back. Nala walked out of the cave and sat down beside the two girls as the king and princess made their way up the rock. Once they were together again, Nala signalled for Simba to follow her. And that's what he did. They went off to the side where the triplets wouldn't hear them.

"How did it go with Kiara?" Nala asked. "Quite well actually." Simba responded. "How did it go with the other two?" Simba added. "I haven't spoken to them yet." Nala answered. "I told them that we would both speak with them." Simba nodded. He thought about what he was going to say before telling his queen.

"Do you think we should tell them about Kopa?" he asked. Nala looked at the floor. "I'm not sure if that's a good idea, Simba." She responded. "Do you really want them to live knowing that they HAD a brother?" Simba said. Nala sighed. "I suppose you're right. And we did almost lose them today." She said. "Yeah, we did. That's what I said to Kiara." Simba responded. Nala looked back up at Simba and looked into his amber eyes. "Let's do it then." She said. "But I still don't think this is a good idea."

"What did Dad say?" Tiifu asked Kiara eagerly. "All he said was that we nearly died today, and I told him was my fault." Kiara responded, hanging her head in shame. The cubs looked to their right and saw their parents making their way to them. Simba cleared his throat before speaking to them.

"Your mother and I would like to speak with all 3 of you. Come with us." The king said. Simba started to walk down Pride Rock and headed out into the Pridelands. Nala and the girls followed him. They walked for a bit until they reached the Waterhole. Simba and Nala sat down with their backs facing the water.

"Girls.." Simba started. He sighed before continuing. "What you did today unacceptable. You put yourselves and all your friends in danger." The cubs looked down at the floor in shame. "As I already told Kiara, you three really scared me today. I thought I was gonna lose you.." Simba paused. Nala put her paw on top of Simba's, as she could see he was struggling to get his words out now. Nala looked at her daughters and continued what her mate was saying. "We have something to tell you three. You might find this hard to take in. The reason your father and I have brought you here is because.. you had a brother.." The three girls tilted their heads in confusion. "What do you mean by 'had'?" Zuri asked. Nala sighed. "He's… not with us anymore." The queen said with regret. The princesses sat there in silence. "This is where he died." Simba said as he looked around the area. Zuri stood up. "How did he die, Dad?" she asked fearfully. Simba closed his eyes and looked down at the floor. "You know that lioness that you met in the elephant graveyard today?" he said. The princesses nodded slowly, getting the idea where this was going. "She took him from us." Simba added. Zuri growled. "THAT'S IT!" she roared. "First she killed our brother and then she tried to kill us today! I promise, when I'm older, I'll find her and make her life a living hell." Zuri added. Simba and Nala looked at each other. "We respect your wish, Zuri, but she has already been punished for life." Simba responded. "I banished her to the outlands." Tiifu then stood up alongside her vengeful sister. "Were we even born when he was still here." She asked. "He died the day after you three were born. He was so excited to be your big brother." Nala responded with tears in her eyes. "What was his name?" Kiara asked. "His name.." Simba started. "Was Kopa."

A/N: I think I'll end it there. I'm finally back! I'm so sorry it's been so long. I will try my best to post more often. Thanks for still reading this story while I was away. That's all from me for now, though. Take care!